Police were called after suspected illegal immigrants were seen climbing out of the back of a lorry.

But when officers arrived the four photographed men were gone.

They were snapped on Saturday and were believed to be at a lorry park.

Kent Police spokesman Steve Knight said: “Kent Police was called at 4.41pm on Saturday 22 ,April to a report that suspected migrants had been seen exiting the back of a lorry in Coombe Valley Road, Dover.

“Officers attended and carried out a search of the local area but were unable to locate the people in question.”

The image shows one man leaving from the rear of the truck, another men standing on a fence and two others on the pavement with a bag.

The slanted image, taken from a car, caused a stir on social media.

A woman eyewitness did not want to be named but told the Mercury: “As I came down Coombe Valley Road I saw them climbing out of the lorry and they then made their way to St Radigund’s.”

She also said: “Please tell me I’m not the only person worried to see this happening right on my doorstep.”